Damascus, 02 September 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Syria welcomed Ms Melanie Hauenstein as its new Resident Representative following the presentation of her credentials to Dr Saad Baroud, Director of International Organisations and Director of the American Affairs Department at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

Ms Hauenstein brings extensive leadership experience across the United Nations system, with a strong track record in crisis response, recovery and sustainable development throughout the Middle East and Africa. She joins UNDP Syria from Berlin, where she has served as Director of the UNDP Representation Office in Germany since January 2024.

“I arrive in Syria at a pivotal moment for its people. I look forward to working closely with the Syrian Government, our partners and communities across the country to help restore livelihoods, revive the economy, strengthen institutions and essential public services, and support an inclusive recovery that reaches those who need it most,” said Melanie Hauenstein, UNDP Resident Representative in Syria. “I take on this responsibility with determination and hope, committed to supporting the Syrian people to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future, one that unlocks the country’s immense potential.”

Before her assignment in Germany, Ms Hauenstein served as UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon (2022–2024). Earlier, she was Regional Advisor at UNDP Headquarters in New York, overseeing the Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Libya and Maghreb portfolios. Her previous assignments include serving as Senior Stabilisation Advisor with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2016), Head of Office with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in northern Mali (2014–2016), and positions with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNDP’s Office for Crisis Prevention and Recovery in New York (2010–2013). She also supported UN coordination in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan (2007-2010) and began her career with the United Nations in Congo as an election expert during the first democratic elections there.

The United Nations Development Programme is on the ground in all 14 governorates of Syria, working with the Syrian people to support the country’s recovery, reconstruction and longer-term development, in line with national priorities. UNDP’s work is focusing on fostering inclusive economic growth, reviving livelihoods, restoring essential services, strengthening governance and rule of law, and advancing peacebuilding and climate action, enabling safe, voluntary, and dignified returns and future prosperity. 

Media contacts: 

Dania Darwish | Communications Specialist | UNDP Syria Country Office | dania.darwish@undp.org